Premier League giants Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Besiktas striker Semih Kilicsoy, with a potential transfer move in mind for the end of the season, sources told Turkish-Football.
The Gunners have been scouting Kilicsoy who has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe after bursting onto the scene this season.
READ: Who is Arda Guler? The 18-year-old ‘Turkish Messi’ Wanted by Europe’s Biggest Clubs
The 18-year-old Turkish forward has impressed in the Süper Lig this season, Kilicsoy has seven goals and one assist in just 11 Super Lig games playing a total of 651 minutes of football in the top tier.
Ever since making his first start in the league start this season in December, Kilicsoy has gone onto become a star name for Besiktas.
The young forward has been one of the few positive talking points for Besiktas who have had a turmultous season sacking three managers and dropping out of the title race.
Following the meteoric rise of fellow Turkish international players including 18-year-old Arda Guler who got a high profile move to Real Madrid, 18-year-old Kenan Yildiz who has made a name for himself at Juventus, 18-year-old Can Uzun at Nurnberg and 18-year-old Emre Yunus Konak who just got a move to Brentford; there is growing interest from major European clubs in Turkish talent.
The Gunners are looking to bolster their attacking options come summer and have identified Kilicsoy as a target.
An offer has yet to be made but if Kilicsoy continues his rich vein of form he could end up being in contention for a spot at Euro 2024 for the Turkish national team which could see his value increase further.
Besiktas meanwhile, are aware of growing interest and want to tie Kilicsoy down to a new contract on improved wages and a release clause option.
However, Arsenal are likely to face competition for Kilicsoy’s signature. Other clubs are reportedly interested in the young striker, and Besiktas might demand a significant fee for their rising star.
With the summer transfer window still months away, it remains to be seen if Arsenal’s interest translates into a concrete offer. Much will depend on the Gunners’ final league position, their budget, and Kilicsoy’s continued development.
